Are you a fan of chili garlic sauce?
We certainly are!
Whether it’s as a dip, spread on sandwiches, or getting added to marinades and sauces – there is no denying that its bold flavor can really pump up any dish.
That being said, sometimes you might find yourself stuck without any chili garlic sauce around the house! What dishes may suffer if this happens?
Fear not: we have compiled 7 different substitutes for this beloved condiment that can provide an equally flavorful experience in whateverrecipe you’re cooking up.
So whether you are out of chili garlic sauce for now or looking to try something new – read on to explore these tasty alternatives and get your dishes back up and running with deliciousness.
What’s Chili Garlic Sauce?
Chili garlic sauce is a popular condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and other spices.
It is commonly used in Asian cuisine and can be found in many Asian grocery stores.
The sauce is often used as a dipping sauce or to add flavor to stir-fries, noodles, and soups.
The sauce originates from China and has become popular in many other Asian countries.
The sauce is made by crushing chili peppers and garlic together to form a paste.
Other spices, such as ginger, vinegar, and soybean oil, are often added to the paste to create the finished product.
Chili garlic sauce is very spicy and flavorful.
The paste is usually quite thick and can range in color from red to brown.
When purchasing chili garlic sauce, be sure to check the ingredient list to ensure that you are getting a product that does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.
This condiment can be used in many different ways.
It can be used as a dipping sauce for fried foods or added to stir-fries, noodles, or soups for extra flavor.
When using chili garlic sauce, be aware that a little goes a long way due to the strong flavor.
Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
7 Best Chili Garlic Sauce Substitutes
1. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
If you’re looking for a chili garlic sauce substitute that has a sweet taste, Thai sweet chili sauce is a good option.
This sauce is made with red chilies, vinegar, sugar, and garlic, and it has a thick consistency.
The sweetness of the sauce comes from the sugar that’s used as an ingredient.
While Thai sweet chili sauce does have a bit of heat to it, it’s not as spicy as chili garlic sauce.
If you’re looking for something with a similar level of spice, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
The sweetness of the sauce can also be toned down by adding more vinegar.
Thai sweet chili sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or as an ingredient in recipes.
It’s commonly used in Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fries and noodle dishes.
If you’re using it as a substitute for chili garlic sauce, keep in mind that it is sweeter and less spicy.
You may need to adjust the other ingredients in your recipe accordingly.
2. Sriracha
Sriracha is a type of chili garlic sauce that originates from Thailand.
It is made from a paste of chili peppers, vinegar, sugar, and garlic.
Sriracha has a slightly sweet and sour taste with a strong chili flavor.
It is often used as a condiment or dipping sauce.
If you cannot find chili garlic sauce at the store, Sriracha makes for a great substitute.
The taste is fairly similar, although Sriracha is not quite as spicy.
Simply use it in the same proportions as you would chili garlic sauce.
3. Sambal Oelek
Sambal oelek is a chili pepper paste that originates from Indonesia.
It is made from ground chili peppers, vinegar, and salt.
Sambal oelek has a very strong and spicy flavor.
If you cannot handle the heat of chili garlic sauce, then sambal oelek is not the best substitute for you.
In terms of taste, sambal oelek is much spicier than chili garlic sauce.
It also has a vinegary taste because of the vinegar that is used in its production.
If you are looking for a substitute for chili garlic sauce that is less spicy and has a more complex flavor, then sambal oelek is not the best option.
If you still want to use sambal oelek as a substitute for chili garlic sauce, I would recommend using half the amount that the recipe calls for.
You can also add some sugar or honey to offset the spiciness and vinegary taste.
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4. Harissa Sauce
Harissa sauce is a North African condiment that is made with chili peppers, garlic, and other spices.
The sauce has a fiery taste and is often used as a dip or to flavor stews and soups.
Harissa can be made with fresh or dried chili peppers, but the most common type of pepper used is the red bell pepper.
If you are looking for a substitute for chili garlic sauce, then harissa sauce is a good option.
The taste of harissa is similar to chili garlic sauce, but it is not as sweet.
You can use harissa sauce in any recipe that calls for chili garlic sauce.
5. Gochujang
Gochujang is a Korean chili paste that is made from chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt.
It is typically quite spicy and has a deep, rich flavor.
If you are looking for a substitute for chili garlic sauce that has a similar taste, gochujang is a good option.
This paste can be used in many of the same ways as chili garlic sauce, such as in stir-fries or as a dipping sauce.
Gochujang is also often used as a base for other sauces, such as kimchi sauce or bibimbap sauce.
To substitute gochujang for chili garlic sauce, simply use it in the same proportions.
Keep in mind that gochujang is usually quite a bit spicier than chili garlic sauce, so you may want to start with less and add more to taste.
6. Piri Piri Sauce
If you’re a fan of spice, then you’ll love Piri Piri sauce.
This flavorful sauce is made with a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, giving it a unique taste that is both fiery and tangy.
The texture of the sauce is thick and slightly chunky, making it perfect for slathering on chicken or ribs.
And if you can’t find Piri Piri sauce at your local store, don’t worry – chili garlic sauce makes an excellent substitute.
Just add a few drops of hot sauce to give it that extra kick.
So next time you’re in the mood for something spicy, reach for the Piri Piri sauce – you won’t be disappointed.
7. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
If you’re looking for a chili garlic sauce substitute that has a similar taste, then you should try chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
This sauce is made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers that are cooked in a vinegary and tomato-based sauce.
The sauce is typically quite spicy, so if you’re sensitive to spice, you may want to start with just a small amount.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can be used as a condiment or an ingredient in other dishes.
If you’re using it as a condiment, it’s best to add it to dishes after they’ve been cooked so that the heat doesn’t cook off the flavor.
You can also use this sauce as an ingredient in recipes such as chili, enchiladas, or tacos.
To substitute chili garlic sauce for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, simply add an equal amount of the peppers and sauce to your dish.
You may need to adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want your dish to be.
Conclusion
I have listed 7 of the best chili garlic sauce substitutes that you can use in your cooking.
Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, sambal oelek, harissa sauce, gochujang, Piri Piri sauce, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are all great substitutes that will give your dish a similar taste and texture.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in finding a replacement for chili garlic sauce.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite chili garlic sauce substitute is.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!